On October 17-18, units of two Ukrainian marine brigades were able to cross the Dnipro River and land on the left bank of the Kherson region. This is stated in a report by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), citing geolocated footage.
Experts note that Ukrainian fighters have probably advanced north of Pishchanivka (14 km east of Kherson and 3 km from the Dnipro River) and to Poyma (11 km east of Kherson and 4 km from the Dnipro River).
According to the Russian media, two assault groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine landed on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River and broke through the enemy's defense, temporarily occupying the entire Poyma and positions on the northern outskirts of Pishchanivka. As of October 18, the invaders controlled only the southern part of Pishchanivka.
There is growing concern among Russian military leaders that this operation may be part of a larger plan. In their opinion, Ukraine wants to "expand the bridgehead" for a larger offensive.
"It is noteworthy that the main and reliable Russian sources are discussing Ukraine's actions on the eastern bank as more extensive than previously documented tactical raids by Ukrainian forces across the river," ISW summarizes.
